Swapping cling film for baking paper could help keep cheese fresh for longer and reduce mould, according to food experts. Many households reach for cling film after opening a block of cheddar, but wrapping it tightly in plastic could be doing more harm than good.
Instead, experts recommend using baking paper or wax paper, which allows cheese to breathe while helping to prevent it from drying out. Cheese contains moisture, and trapping too much of it against the surface can create conditions that encourage unwanted mould.
Why baking paper works
Baking paper offers a more breathable alternative, making it a useful option for anyone hoping to get through their cheese before it spoils. The advice is particularly useful for households that buy larger blocks of cheese and find themselves throwing away the last few slices.
Rather than immediately reaching for cling film, wrapping the cheese in baking paper and keeping it refrigerated could help maintain its condition. The method has also been discussed by shoppers online.
What cheese professionals say
John Montez, a certified cheese professional and head cheesemonger at Murray's Cheese in New York, previously told CNET: "Cheese is a preserved product. It’s high in acid and salt, with much of the moisture removed. It’s rare you’d need to throw out a properly stored piece."
Shopper experiences
One Reddit user said: "I find that storing cheese in baking paper keeps it from going bad quickly, and helps it stay fresher for much longer." Another added: "I've got these reusable wax-infused linen sheets. They work fantastically, in that they keep the cheese from drying out but also prevent mould."
However, no wrapping method can guarantee that cheese will remain fresh or mould-free for a set number of weeks. How long it lasts depends on the type of cheese, its condition when opened and how it is stored. Households should follow the packaging's storage instructions and use-by date where applicable.
